Rolex Air King

By: Benae Moore

The entire Air King line was revamped in 2007 and is available with a choice of three different bezels, steel domed and white gold fluted bezel similar to that found in the Datejust, and a steel engine turned bezel, which I find particularly attractive. This engine turned bezel is available only in the Air King and Date watches (the Date is an Air King with a date display) It comes with a choice of three colors of Dials (black, white and blue) with either roman numerals, Arabic numerals or a combination of Arabic numerals and stick markers. Being an entry level watch, it is offered only with all stainless steel Oyster bracelets, and cannot be with a Jubillee or Presidents bracelet, or a gold Oyster bracelet.

Today's review will focus on the replica Rolex Air King Precision watch. This model is available in blue, black and champagne dial while other details remain the same.

This replica has stainless steel case in 36 mm with polished finish. It uses Asia automatic movement with 21 jewels and a mineral crystal glass that resists scratches. The screw-in watch crown is well constructed in the case. The Replica is water resistant.

It features an engine turned bezel decorated with polished steel markers which sparkle against the Arabic numerals in the stainless steel. The dial also uses bar hour markers with lume stuff that glow in the dark. The hour hand and minute hand hovers over the dial. As only tells time, the dial's overall look is extremely clean and clear. As an undated model, the rehaust has the engraving of ROLEX and its serial No.

This replica Air king goes with Oyster Bracelet that with simplicity and functionality. Made in solid stainless steel and mixes with polished (center links) and Brushed (side links), this bracelet is both comfortable and easy to eyes.

Showing style and quality, this Replica Air King is a timepiece that one desires it at first glace. If you appeals to simple style watch, it is the one made for you.

Rolex Yacht Master

By: Rod Low

Rolex recently revealed a new sequel to their remarkable and superb diver at Basel 2008: The Rolex Sea-Dweller, naming the novel invention the Rolex Sea-Dweller DEEPSEA. The DEEPSEA has certainly more than a few modifications from the earlier Sea-Dweller:

Similar to the new Yacht-Master 2, its brand is more heavily focused upon. The original Sea-Dweller was prominent for its restriction such as the one that inserts the "ROLEX" repeatedly surrounding the chapter ring, as well as extra blurbs on top of the "ringlock", with the addition of the model name "DEEPSEA" above the center. At any rate, there are still no cyclops (date magnifier) incorporated, and fortunately, Rolex did not include polished center links like the new GMT Master 2.

Similar also to the Anniversary Submariner and new GMT Master 2, the Sea-Dweller DEEPSEA incorporates the "maxi-dial" in its system, for the intention of making the hour markers larger, and both the minute and hour hands wider to some extent.

However, the depth rating turns from being impractical to ridiculous: 1,220m (4,000ft) on the original to 3,900m (12,800ft) on the DEEPSEA.

Some other interesting points to note would be that the crystals on the watch goes from flat thick sapphire to domed thick sapphire. Following the footsteps of the GMT Master 2, durable and solid ceramic bezel with platinum-filled numbers were also used as a design. Also, Rolex also improved the ratcheting clasp, increasing it in 1.8mm increments. Furthermore, the caseback is changed from flat stainless steel to a titanium/steel alloy, and the new-fangled "Ringlock System", comprising of a stainless steel ring under the crystal has the ability to absorb pressure. The Sea-Dweller also makes use of a newly designed blue-colored lume on the dial and bezel dot, giving it a very sleek and stylish touch. It also comes in a larger case with a slightly updated style.

Akin to its predecessor, it has a helium escape valve, which will only be practical to one if one does saturation diving often. The movement is the identical 3135, but with the enhancement and addition of the newly invented antimagnetic Parachrom Blue hairspring.

Its price is not revealed yet, but buyers can expect it to be very expensive. The Sea-Dweller has always been one of Rolex's more luxurious models, and such new enhancements and modifications described above certainly will not make it any cheaper.

Knowing Rolex well, one would definitely be surprised to see this update. Rolex is usually sluggish and unhurried to alter and adjust new models, and they have completed several projects in the past year or two, for example, The Rolex Milgauss, The Anniversary Submariner, The new Yacht-Master 2, the Cellini, the new GMT Master 2, and now the Sea-Dweller DEEPSEA. Though new designs may not always appeal to one's taste, many would be delighted to see Rolex working hard to increasing the pace of the industry by constantly updating their classic styles.

Rolex Authorized Dealer

By: James Greene

The market sets the price on all merchandise including Rolex watches. As long as someone is willing to pay the asking price, there is no reason to reduce that price. The company sells every watch that they make and have a waiting list for some of their models of up to 2 years. The question might be: are they worth the price? Judging from the ones I have seen that are 50 to 60 years old and still running well, and are in good condition, my answer would be "yes".

Where should you buy your watch? Most watches are purchased from an Authorized dealer within the USA. Some Non-authorized jewelers will also sell you a new watch. However, you should be aware that the company frowns heavily on this practice and will likely not honor any warranty on these watches even though they are 100% genuine. If you purchase your Rolex outside the USA, you are permitted to hand-carry one watch back into the country. Bringing more than one is considered a Trademark violation and all watches will be taken by US customs. You should always check with US customs before bringing any watch into the USA from overseas. Purchasing a Rolex by mail from overseas is also a trademark violation.

Many consumers are turning to eBay to purchase their high end watches. Thousands of Rolex watches are sold on eBay every year, probably tens of thousands. However, if you're considering going this route you should take every precaution that you can and that is still no guarantee that you'll get what you pay for. eBay does a very poor job of policing the site for counterfeits. They say that it's not their job to verify every auction, and I think they could be right. The seller should provide you with the full serial number, model number, and any paper work that's available. You should see close-up pictures of the exact watch that is being sold, including close-ups of the serial number and model number that are engraved between the lugs at the 6:00 and the 12:00 position. Once you have all this information, take it to someone who is an expert in identifying the genuine product.

The only true way to determine if the watch is genuine is to take it to an authorized technician, and have him remove the case back and do a thorough examination of the movement and the bracelet. This can be time consuming and costly but is the only sure way.

Pricing is reasonably firm at all authorized dealers. The company puts a suggested retail price on every watch. This price is usually found on the tag along with the serial number of the watch. Most authorized dealers will give you a small discount on their watches although Rolex frowns on this practice also. Contrary to popular belief they do not put a 300% markup on their watches. Not even close. I won't reveal the exact markup, but suffice it to say that the actual markup does not allow for much discount at all and still leave a profit for the dealer.

After wearing your watch for a few years you might notice that it is gaining or losing time. This might indicate that it needs servicing. If it's only off a few seconds a day this should not be a major concern. However, if you notice that it is losing several minutes in a 24 hour period then it will need to be serviced. There are two schools of thought on when a Rolex should be serviced if it is running properly. Many collectors say every 2 to 3 years. Rolex says every 5 years. My personal thoughts are 6 to 7 years assuming that the watch has been running continuously since it was new. By that I mean that if over the years the watch was allowed to go un-worn for months at a time, without running, and then worn for a few months, and then un-worn once again. Wearing the watch in this manner can cause more problems than wearing it all the time.

Quoting From Rolex:

Quality, style, respect for a great watchmaking tradition… there is no shortage of reasons for wearing a Rolex; indeed, a Rolex watch would not be such a unique and coveted object of desire were it not the product of exceptional craftsmanship. What makes a Rolex so distinctive is the alliance of technology coupled with a unique philosophy. Pioneering spirit and the pursuit of perfection, qualities first embodied by the founder of Rolex, Hans Wilsdorf, continue to the present day, and those personalities who represent the Rolex name in advertising are testimony to this Watchmaking perfection and an abiding philosophy… these are the reasons why you wear more than just a watch when you wear a Rolex.

Rado Diamond Watch

By: Robin Cassidy

The Rado V10K can claim to be the world's hardest watch - only a genuine diamond can scratch its casing. However, the world's hardest watch doesn't come cheap but has Rado been able to successfully marry hardness with practicality and pleasing design lines?

Rado is a Swiss company and has been making watches since 1917. Rado produced the world's first scratchproof watch in the 1960s. The watch was called the Rado DiaStar. Rado wanted to make the world's hardest watch, so it went into collaboration with specialists in nanotechnology to perfect the use of coating the watch casing with crushed diamond. After some years of research, Rado perfected a way to coat a homogenous 100% diamond layer onto hard metal components. Soon after, the Rado V10K was released.

Right from its introduction it would be fair to say that this watch has become a 'must have' for certain watch collectors.

Not all the components of the V10K are scratchproof. However, the connecting pieces between sapphire crystal and bracelet, as well as the lateral elements, are protected with diamond hardness against scratching. The 'scratchable' parts are the rubber strap, titanium case back and the strap clasp - also of titanium.

The look of the watch is understated, to say the least, and its design won't appeal to everyone. Someone once remarked that the design of the Rado V10K watch was like that of the first LED watches produced in the 1970s! Whilst, I disagree, I kind of know what they meant; it's simple, understated design and sleek black casing does have a slight 'retro' look to it. The watch face is pure simplicity; black with the Rado log and two white arms. There are no numerals or any further decoration of any kind. The functional rubber strap and clasp complement the overall, almost utilitarian, feel to the Rado V10K watch.

Another aspect that is unusual about the V10K by Rado is the absence of a crown. Rado omitted a crown purely out of design aesthetics. If you do need to change the time - there's no date function of this watch - you have to do so by means of a magnetic contact element that is contained in the strap. Whilst, I appreciate why Rado wanted to avoid putting a crown on the casing of the V10K, it is a little bit more problematic changing the time on this watch than it is on others; a frequent traveler would not find this the most practical of watches.

The V10K is also water resistant and comes with a two year guarantee.

The Rado V10K watch isn't going to appeal to the mass market. Its styling can seem so understated as to be absent altogether. But the V10K wasn't designed for the mass market; rather it was designed for those who appreciate that they possess something that is unique, as well as a timepiece that is a part of watch making history.

Rado Swiss Watches

By: Robin Cassidy

Rado watches are quite simply, unique. The company has an obsession in making fine watches from the most sophisticated and technically advanced of man-made of materials. Reading a little bit about how these watches are made is like reading a piece of sci-fi literature. One can't quite believe that such incredible, ground-breaking science is used to make something that merely tells us the time.

Rado is a comparative new-comer in Swiss watch making. It didn't begin making watches until 1917 - most top Swiss watch manufacturers were already making watches for over a hundred years - and, it didn't really become a well-known manufacturer until the 1960s when it produced the Rado DiaStar, the World's first scratchproof watch.

It would be true to say that other manufacturers specialized in making ever more complicated movements - Patek Philippe watches for example - or found niches in diving or the aeronautic industry - like Rolex, Panerai and Breitling - but Rado has mainly specialized in making its watches indestructible.

That's not to say that the movements in Rado watches are inferior, quite the opposite. Each movement, whether it's quartz, mechanical or chronograph comes with a guarantee of having a Swiss quality watch movement, which has been extensively tested at the Rado factory.

But, without doubt it's the materials used in Rado watches that makes them unique. You'll find materials that are used by other watch manufacturers, like sapphire crystal for the glass, titanium used on case backs and clasps, and rubber straps. However, it's the developments and use of new materials like ceramics, hard metals and high-tech diamond coatings that's totally different.

Many Rado watches are coated with a layer of synthetic diamond to make them almost scratchproof. This is achieved by transforming carbon into nano-crystalline diamond particles, which are amalgamated onto the hard metal watch case forming a homogenous diamond layer. The synthetic diamond is created in furnaces that approach the atmospheric pressure of Jupiter.

Likewise, the ceramics produced are also very scratch resistant while also being very skin-friendly. The manufacture of the hard metal used in the watches is also a complex process; tungsten- or titanium-carbide is pressed at 1000 bar and further compressed in a super hot furnace at 1450°C.

Using advanced manufacturing techniques to make new, hard materials is all well and good, but what makes Rado watches so desirable is how these materials are used to create simple, almost stark designs of wrist watch.

The Rado V10k watch exemplifies the unity of high-tech materials and modern design. The watch features a curved sapphire crystal; the case is high-tech synthetic diamond that blends seamlessly with the black caoutchouc strap. The dial is a simple as you can find on any watch; two white arms - hour and minute - and nothing else. You won't even find a crown on the case - you set the time by use of a magnetic pin that is housed in the strap.

The Ceramica is another fine collection - my personal favorite. The case and strap links are made from high-gloss, scratch resistant ceramics, the glass is sapphire crystal and the clasp has a hidden push button deployment. Again the dial is simple, two simple, white hands, and unusual hour markers that run vertically down each side of the face.

Other Rado collections include the Sintra, Ovation, Anatom, Original, Cerix, and Esenza. Each collection offers something slightly different though each uses high-tech, hard materials.

There are a couple of points to be aware of with Rado watches. First, although there are often referred to as scratchproof, they can be scratched. Other materials that are in everyday use also approach diamond hardness; such as sandpaper, grindstones, granite surfaces and even concrete walls. Also, dropping the watch onto a hard surface can break them.

All watches are given a 30 meter water resistance certificate, however many household situations can mean water being applied that is close to the pressure of 30 meters, like power showers and Jacuzzis, so you should always first remove the watch. And, when changing the battery you should only use an authorized dealer to ensure the watch remains water-tight.

Rado watches aren't to everyone's liking. The designs are simple and can look distinctively retro at times. However, for those who appreciate the unique qualities of the materials used these watch are, and always have been, highly desirable.

Rado Ceramic Watch

By: Vivian Lau

Key Word: the first watch that introduced high-tech ceramic into watch-making industry
Design feature: fusing wristwatch and bracelet into one
Material: high-tech ceramic

Rado began to develop materials that are suitable for watch-making in 1980s. They focused on high-tech ceramic which was only applied in aerospace technology and high-end medical appliance. This material, light, wear-proof, high temperature resistant, and anti-skin-allergy, is a perfection solution as a watch material. In 1982, Rado intergral was born. Intergal fuses wristwatch and bracelet into one and comes with high-tech bracelet connected by iconic I stainless steel chain. Integral is born with unparalleled elegance and comfort.

And here comes the Intergral Jubile which is a bold and avant-garde expression of Rota Integral and also one of my favorite model in this line . Inergral Jubile keeps soft and smooth shape like a bracelet and provides the iconic flexibility and comfort. The curving case keeps shape of simple lines while the edges are added with two rows of exquisite diamonds, bringing a kind of subtle elegance and charm.

The dial has a sapphire crystal cover with black metal coated. This dial, here, transforms into a nice screen, open and straight. It comes with silver hour, minute and second hands. Two rows of three diamonds marks 2, 3, 4, 8 , 9 and 10 o'clock in a symmetrical manner , very and impressive. Another model with mirror face is also available, demonstrating flowing operation.

Seiko Kinetic Mens Watches

By: Edward Price

Watches in general have the primary function of telling time and that's why most people buy whatever watch they can find that looks good for their style while others care about added features and durability, which of course, are more expensive. However, divers have special needs and they need a watch that can help keep track of the time elapsed during underwater sessions so they can resurface without problems. A Seiko divers watch could be an excellent choice since they are widely known for the style and overall quality of their watches.

But is choosing a Seiko divers watch instead of other dive watches coming from competing brands really the right choice? There is no doubt that there are a large number of scuba watches on the market today and they come off boasting with interesting features. Here's an in-depth look of these Seiko dive watches that will answer why these Seiko dive watches really stand out.

Style

Seiko is very well known for choosing materials that give any dive watch that elegant look and added durability at the same time. Most of the Seiko dive watches come complete with a stainless-steel casing and have that Japanese style finish to it. Many of the Seiko scuba watches are made of scratch resistant Hardlex crystal so they remain to look new as the years go by.

Some of the watches come with the ordinary black rubber strap while a few others can be really sophisticated like the Seiko Men's Automatic Dive Black Urethane Strap Watch which has a unique strap that is pressure vented. Others even have a steel bracelet that makes the dive watch double as an ordinary watch that is great of every day wearing.

Features

Seiko dive watches must be legible underwater for them to be effective for deep diving. In addition to their easy to read unidirectional bezels, Seiko scuba watches also have luminous hands for better visibility of the time underwater. Although none of the Seiko watches are digital, some are still capable of displaying the date. Certain watches also have an inner rotating compass dial ring which divers can make use of.

Technology

A Seiko divers watch is best known for its 21 jewel automatic self-winding Seiko movement. The Seiko 5 series bumped it up to 23 jewels, but what keeps Seiko ahead in terms of technology with their Seiko scuba watches is their Kinetic technology. Kinetic technology is another self-winding technology that doesn't require any turning of the crown at all. Instead, it automatically wounds as long as the arm or wrist moves. In the later models, the same Kinetic technology is now used to power the rechargeable batteries. This will keep the time accurate for up to 4 years when fully charged making this a huge achievement for Seiko.